Collapsible tool/utility box

Abstract

Collapsible or foldable tool/utility box that can be folded into a compact configuration when not in use or unfolded to form a container for tools or other objects. The box is particularly suitable for use as a storage container mounted to a pickup truck bed.

1 . A collapsible storage box comprising: 
 a rear portion having a substantially planar wall and a lower edge, side edges, and a top edge;    side walls with hinges joining said side portions to each other and to said side edges of said rear portion, said side walls being foldable and unfoldable relative to each other and relative to said rear portion by rotation at said hinges;    a bottom disposed between said rear portion and said side walls and attached to said rear portion adjacent said lower edge by a hinge mechanism, said bottom pivotable between a position substantially parallel to said rear portion and substantially perpendicular to said rear portion, said bottom; and    a cover pivotally joined to said rear portion adjacent said top edge of said rear portion and having a substantially planar section, said cover pivotal between a collapsed configuration with said planar section substantially parallel to said planar wall of said rear portion and an open configuration with said planar section forming an angle greater than about 90 degrees with said planar wall of said rear portion;    wherein said box is adjustable between a collapsed configuration with said bottom, said side walls, and said top pivoted into positions substantially parallel to said planar wall of said rear portion and an uncollapsed configuration with said bottom and said top substantially perpendicular to said planar wall of said rear portion and with said side walls substantially perpendicular to said bottom and said cover.    
   
   
       2 . The box of  claim 1 , further comprising bracing means for stiffening said side walls when said box is in an uncollapsed configuration.  
   
   
       3 . The box of  claim 1 , wherein said rear portion includes side extensions projecting from said planar wall, and said side walls are hingedly attached to said side extensions.  
   
   
       4 . The box of  claim 1 , wherein said rear portion includes a top extension projecting from said top edge of said wall and a top flange projecting substantially upwards from said top extension, and said cover is pivotally joined to said flange.  
   
   
       5 . The box of  claim 1 , further comprising means for mounting said box to another object.  
   
   
       6 . The box of  claim 5 , wherein said mounting means comprises a mounting bracket and fasteners.  
   
   
       7 . The box of  claim 6 , wherein said bracket is adapted for mounting to a side wall of a pickup truck bed and for mounting to said box by securing some of said fasteners through holes in the truck bed wall and others of said fasteners through holes in said box.  
   
   
       8 . The box of  claim 1 , having dimensions such that said box fits within a bed of a pickup truck.  
   
   
       9 . The box of  claim 1 , having dimensions such that said box fits within a bed of a pickup truck and between the truck wheel wells.  
   
   
       10 . The box of  claim 1 , further comprising means for locking said box.  
   
   
       11 . The box of  claim 1 , wherein said box is substantially dust- and water-tight.  
   
   
       12 . The box of  claim 1 , further comprising means for maintaining a desired position of said top relative to said rear portion.  
   
   
       13 . The box of  claim 12 , wherein said means for maintaining comprises a hydraulic mechanism attached to said rear portion and to said cover.  
   
   
       14 . The box of  claim 1 , wherein said box forms a rectangular prism shape when uncollapsed.  
   
   
       15 . A mounting bracket for a collapsible tool/utility box, said bracket comprising: 
 a first portion adapted for mounting to a wall of a pickup truck bed; and    a second portion adapted for mounting to a wall of said tool/utility box, said second portion including slots within which fasteners are positionable such that the fasteners align with holes in said wall of said tool/utility box.    
   
   
       16 . The mounting bracket of  claim 15 , wherein said fasteners are positionable with the bottom of the box resting on the floor of the truck bed.  
   
   
       17 . The mounting bracket of  claim 15 , further comprises means for supporting the box against the wall of the pickup truck bed with the bottom of the box raised above the floor of the truck bed.